August W. Hassenbein Jr.

August W. Hassenbein Jr., 87, of Reading, passed away on February 3, 2026. He was the widower of Grace L. (Keeney), who died on November 5, 2013. He was a devoted husband to Grace and cared for her in her final illness.

Born in Reading, PA, to the late August W. Hassenbein, Sr., and Barbara "Betty" (Saffer), he attended Reading High School. He served his country honorably in the United States Air Force and U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. He worked as a truck driver, retiring in 2004. He once selflessly put his own safety aside to drive his burning truck of hazardous waste off the freeway to a safe location, leaving his truck shortly before it was consumed by fire. He then went back to work the next day without seeking recognition.

He was a devoted husband, inspirational father, caring grandfather, loving brother, and loyal friend. He was a kind, simple person who was genuinely friendly with everyone. He could get complete strangers quickly at ease by genuine love of talking and sharing stories. His love was so great that when his wife's sister (Dorthy) died, he welcomed her daughter, Lee, to live with his family. Lee's children later viewed Gus and Grace as surrogate grandparents, and one even named their first child after August, something that touched Gus deeply.

As Gus matured, his wisdom deepened, he recognized we are all equally loved children of one Creator. Everyone was his neighbor, to be treated respectfully and equally without exception.

Grace's love of cats became his love of cats. Gus loved riding his Harley Davidson. He, Grace, and the cats made many journeys in their second home--the RV--to California, where their son and his family reside. He enjoyed visiting the rifle range, gun shows, and cat shows with Grace. Gus also provided selfless care for his late older brother, Fred Reinhard.

August will be fondly remembered by his son, Erik, husband of Sharon, of San Jose, CA; his grandchildren, Isaac and Ivy; his brother, Don Hassenbein, husband of Elke, of Palmyra; nephews, James Hassenbein (Diana Pugh) and the late John Hassenbein (widow Sue Bird); nieces: Lisa Hassenbein Beiler (Sam); Autumn MacLean (Sean) and daughter, Maegyn; Lee Black (Rick) and sons: Ross Black (Juliana) and children, Noah and Logan; Nash Black (Rachel) and children August and Miles; and Connor Black.

He will be missed by all for his loving personality, dry wit, his enjoyment of sharing meals with friends and family, and his fondness of cats.

A viewing is scheduled on Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM, at the Kuhn Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., at 5153 Kutztown Road, Temple, PA. A prayer service, with military honors, will follow at Gethsemane Cemetery, 3139 Kutztown Road, at 11:30 AM. Family and friends are welcome to attend.

Contributions in Gus's memory may be offered to the Humane Society, https://humanepa.org/. Or, you could adopt a cat. Condolences may be expressed at kuhnfuneralhomes.com.